"The Expanse" may have wrapped up its Prime Video series, but the sci-fi hype is far from over. A brand-new chapter, "The Expanse: Osiris Reborn," has just been revealed during the Future Games Show, and it gives off "Mass Effect" vibes once you take a close look at it.
Developed by Owlcat Games, the same studio behind "Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous," this upcoming title is a narrative-rich action RPG set during the first two and a half seasons of "The Expanse."
With familiar faces returning and an entirely new story, "Osiris Reborn" vows to combine the gritty realism of the show with deep player choice and tactical combat.
A Story-Driven Experience on Eros Station
Set against the backdrop of "The Expanse's" early timeline, the game casts you as a Pinkwater mercenary enjoying downtime on Eros Station—until everything goes wrong. What begins as a simple shore leave spirals into chaos, forcing your character to commandeer a ship and build a crew to unravel a system-wide conspiracy.
The narrative-heavy gameplay allows players to select from three unique backgrounds: Earther, Martian, or Belter, each offering distinct traits and perspectives.
According to Gizmodo, your choices not only influence dialogue but also impact gameplay, companions, and the mission path. The game is played in a third-person perspective, featuring real-time squad command mechanics that offer a fluid yet strategic combat experience.
'Mass Effect' Vibes with Owlcat's Signature Depth
It's hard to ignore the "Mass Effect" influence, and Owlcat isn't trying to hide it. According to design producer Yuliya Chernenko, many on the development team grew up playing BioWare's iconic sci-fi series, which left a "lasting impression" on their creative vision.
Still, creative director Alexander Mishulin emphasized that "Osiris Reborn" will be very much an Owlcat title. The team aims to create a modern, choice-driven RPG with a strong focus on freedom and custom playstyles.
Rather than stick to one narrative path, players are encouraged to shape their own story within the morally complex universe of The Expanse.
Grounded Sci-Fi Meets Tactical Combat
What makes this new game stand out is its grounded approach to science fiction. "The Expanse" has always been praised for its realistic portrayal of space politics, technology, and human conflict, and "Osiris Reborn" sticks to that formula. Owlcat states that the game will deliver mature, character-driven storytelling, where decisions have a ripple effect across missions and alliances.
The gameplay will also feature tactical elements, allowing players to issue commands to a two-member squad in battle. While not turn-based, the system allows for careful planning during challenging encounters.
When is 'The Expanse: Osiris Reborn' Coming
While there is no specific launch date yet, "The Expanse: Osiris Reborn" is set to arrive "coming soon" on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. If you're a fan of the TV series, as well as Mass Effect-style RPGs, you will want to keep a close eye on this release.
